The decision by mainstream churches in several western countries to oppose United States' war on Iraq could have a significant and important effect on religious and ethnic relations in Malaysia said prominent academic Dr Chandra Muzaffar.

The political scientist added such developments, if highlighted by the local media, could break the conventional opinions of some Malaysians.

"When the churches have this position, people begin to see this as an issue of justice, not religion," he told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The conference was called to highlight what had transpired during the three-day International Roundtable on Globalisation held in Genting Highlands, which ended yesterday.

The event, organised by the International Movement for a Just World (Just), was attended by more than 20 foreign and local intellectuals.

The foreign media has reported that mainstream churches in US, Britain and Australia have opposed an attack on Iraq but this was not highlighted here.

Mainstream churches comprise Roman Catholic and traditional Protestant churches.

Wrong perceptions

Meanwhile, Chandra said if this opposition was reported, Malaysians who have an indifferent attitude or taken a wrong position in either supporting or opposing the war would begin to understand that the real reason to oppose the war is actually for justice.

The academic, who is also Just president, explained that certain sections of the non-Muslim community could have the wrong perception that the war is merely an issue for Muslims or that a war against so-called Islamic fanatics was justified.

On the other hand, he added that Muslims here could be supporting Iraq solely on the basis that it is an Islamic country.

"It is important for a country like Malaysia to see an issue based on justice and compassion rather than ethnic and religion which colours the opinion of some people," he stressed.

Asked if the mainstream churches in Malaysia have taken a similar position to oppose the war, Chandra expressed the optimism that churches here are likely to do so although he pointed out that he could not speak on their behalf.

"You have to ask them. I won't be surprised if they have taken a position against the war," he said.

Explore alternatives

Among the international delegates at the roundtable were Prof Richard Falk, formerly with New York's Princeton University, Prof Marc H Elliss who teaches American and Jewish Studies at Texas' Baylor University and theologian Prof Paul F Knitter of Xavier University in Cincinnati.

From Malaysia were Special United Nations Envoy to Burma Razali Ismail, Institute of Strategic and International Studies head Dr Noordin Sopiee and Penang state executive councillor Dr Toh Kin Woon.

The delegates passed a resolution opposing the war against Iraq and called for "every alternative to war to be exhaustively explored".